Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) cause problems with sewer systems, including the City of Columbia's. When food particles, cleaning products and FOG flow to a sewer system, they can cause clogs that lead to sanitary sewer overflows, which can create environmental and public health concerns.

The City's Commericla FOG Management Program enforces standards set under the City's Sewer Use Ordinance for FOG-related discharges into the city's sanitary sewers. Detailed requirements can be found in the City's Engineering Regulations Part 29 and Part 30.

Any business that regularly prepares food, whether for on-site consumption like restaurants and schools, or for late consumption, like grocery stores, has the potential to add FOG to our sewer system. UnderSewer Use Ordinance Sec. 23-114, these businesses need to make sure they have proper structures and procedures in place to prevent FOG from entering our sewers.